Work, Economy & the Just Transition
Work, Economy & the Just Transition
The social democratic understanding of progress in the 21st century combines social, economic, and ecological responsibility. The power of automation, combined with the global threats posed by increasing inequality and climate change – two of the greatest present-day challenges – prompts us to rethink much of our economic, industrial, and social models. Hence, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung is committed to a Just Transition – a socially and ecologically just structural change that enables sustainable economic activity, climate protection, and better life prospects for all.
FES UK strives to support both people and the economy for a Just Transition in the UK and Germany. We work with political and economic experts, international organisations, and trade unions to develop strategies and provide advice on how the UK and Germany can work together to achieve social justice and sustainability, especially in the aftermath of Brexit. In dialogue formats and publications, we develop approaches on how the EU and UK can successfully work together on climate and social policies. We need to safeguard and strengthen the welfare state, contribute to gender equality, and develop climate-neutral energy systems and industries.
Trade unions are at the forefront of the struggles for a democratic and sustainable world of work. International dialogue, policymaking, and strategising are essential to ensure effective workers’ representation. The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung works closely with workers, activists, and officials to promote stronger, more democratic, and more inclusive trade unions. In addition, our work in this area is supported by our Future of Work and Just Climate offices, both of which are located in Brussels and were founded in 2021. FES Future of Work aims to discuss and debate the future of work at the European level, and FES Just Climate focuses on energy, industrial, structural, and labour policies, as well as the European Green Deal.
Related Events
British/Irish-German Trade Union Youth Forum 2024
The programme kicked off with the arrival of the British delegation in Düsseldorf, followed by an engaging workshop on the German trade union landscape and the political climate. The second day featured a comprehensive tour of the Hambach open-pit mine and discussions with RWE and the Works Council on co-determination and just transition strategies. This was followed by a visit to ThyssenKrupp Steel, where the delegation learned about the transition to green steel and the role of trade unions in navigating structural changes.
On the third day, the delegates visited the Northrhine-Westphalia State Parliament, listened to a plenary debate about the creation of commercial courts in Northrhine-Westphalia, and engaged in a dialogue with MdB Lisa Kapteinat from the SPD Parliamentary Group on political frameworks for structural change. The day concluded with discussions on combating the far-right and the challenges facing trade unions involving young trade unionists from Germany and Austria.
The final day included a debriefing session, focusing on next steps and future collaborations. This forum emphasised the importance of international dialogue and cooperation in addressing common challenges and shaping a just and sustainable future for workers on both sides of the Channel.
A special thank you to the DGB Jugend NRW for hosting us and organising such a brilliant programme!
Related Publications
British/Irish-German Trade Union Youth Forum 2024
The programme kicked off with the arrival of the British delegation in Düsseldorf, followed by an engaging workshop on the German trade union landscape and the political climate. The second day featured a comprehensive tour of the Hambach open-pit mine and discussions with RWE and the Works Council on co-determination and just transition strategies. This was followed by a visit to ThyssenKrupp Steel, where the delegation learned about the transition to green steel and the role of trade unions in navigating structural changes.
On the third day, the delegates visited the Northrhine-Westphalia State Parliament, listened to a plenary debate about the creation of commercial courts in Northrhine-Westphalia, and engaged in a dialogue with MdB Lisa Kapteinat from the SPD Parliamentary Group on political frameworks for structural change. The day concluded with discussions on combating the far-right and the challenges facing trade unions involving young trade unionists from Germany and Austria.
The final day included a debriefing session, focusing on next steps and future collaborations. This forum emphasised the importance of international dialogue and cooperation in addressing common challenges and shaping a just and sustainable future for workers on both sides of the Channel.
A special thank you to the DGB Jugend NRW for hosting us and organising such a brilliant programme!
